Dog parks, or areas restricted for the use of canines, can be polarizing among dog owners. Some love them and some won’t be caught dead inside one. Like anything else, dog parks come with a long list of pros and cons.

Much like playgrounds for kids, dog parks are places for our dogs to let loose and have some fun with their peers. But sometimes accidents happen, scuffles break out, and bullies may even be roaming around waiting to cause trouble. Before deciding whether or not a dog park is a place you want to visit with your furry friend, consider the following pros and cons.

Pros

·       Room to run – Not everyone has a large yard for their dog to get out their zoomies. Dog parks are a wonderful option for owners in apartments or without adequate yard space for their dogs to exercise. Even if you have a yard, sometimes it’s nice for your dog to just let loose and explore new surroundings.

·       Socialization – This is both a pro and a con. It’s a benefit when dogs are responsibly supervised and adhere to proper introduction protocols. When done correctly (slowly and leashed), dog parks provide great opportunities for your dog to socialize and play with her friends.

·       Build a community – Much like dog parks are a great place for dogs to socialize, they’re great for humans too! You can meet like-minded people with a passion for dogs in one place. In fact, many avid dog park-goers develop friendships based on routines and meeting in the same place consistently. If you’re looking to expand your personal network – dog parks may be a good fit.

·       Promotes physical health – Dog parks are for playing, running, fetching, and more. Some parks even have agility course obstacles available for public use. Think of dog parks as a gym for dogs. There are plenty of opportunities for exercise for both humans and dogs.

Cons

·       Open air – Not all dog parks are fenced in, which makes them very different from daycares where fences allow staff to maintain control and set boundaries. Always be aware of the perimeter of the property and the strength of your dog’s recall. If she isn’t very responsive when she’s called then unrestricted dog parks may not be the right choice for you.

·       Socialization – As mentioned before, this is both a pro and con. Dogs with poor socialization or training can be overstimulated at dog parks and lash out. This can quickly escalate into a fight and cause trauma for all involved. Some dogs that experience a fight at a dog park, even just once, are more likely to act out when returning to the park due to association and post-traumatic stress. Always use your best judgment and be readily available to separate your dog if needed. It’s all about setting your dog up for success and trusting in yourself to make the best decisions for her.

Illness and disease – Naturally, any place where many dogs gather raises the stakes for transmitting illnesses and diseases. Do not attend a dog park if your dog is not up to date on all of her shots.